DAVAO REGION — Grief and uncertainty gripped the Davao Region on Friday, October 10, 2025, as two powerful earthquakes — a magnitude 7.4 in the morning and a magnitude 6.8 later that night — rocked the southern Philippines, leaving at least seven (7) people dead and hundreds injured. Authorities have recorded over 300 aftershocks, some of which were felt strongly across Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao City.
According to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region XI Director Ednar Dayanghirang, three of the fatalities were from Mati City, Davao Oriental, three from Pantukan, Davao de Oro, and one from Davao City. Rescue operations continue as teams assess the extent of damage and search for possible survivors trapped under debris or affected by landslides.
In Pantukan, Davao de Oro, a landslide in Barangay Gumayan, Kingking claimed three lives as the ground shook violently. Barangay Captain Joey Caballero confirmed the incident and expressed his grief while praising the bayanihan spirit of residents and responders.
“Kahit pa may tatlong buhay na nawala, patuloy pa rin tayong magpasalamat sa ating Panginoon,” Caballero shared on social media, thanking the police, soldiers, and disaster teams who risked their safety to save others.
In Mati City, Davao Oriental, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) swiftly deployed volunteers and staff to assist quake-affected families. The PRC reported that 371 individuals have already been rescued and provided with emergency assistance, including first aid, psychosocial support, and evacuation services.
“The Red Cross stands ready to respond for as long as families need help and protection,” the organization said, as its teams continue to monitor aftershocks and ensure the safety of displaced residents.
Meanwhile, Davao City confirmed one fatality linked to the quake. The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has extended immediate assistance to the bereaved family. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and Central 911 responded to 347 individuals who either fainted or suffered minor injuries during and after the tremors. All have since been treated and declared stable.
Following the twin quakes, the OCD placed the entire Davao Region under Red Alert, while Davao City prepositioned all emergency assets and teams to prepare for further aftershocks. Structural inspections conducted by the City Engineer’s Office and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) confirmed that major bridges — Bankerohan, Bolton, Davao River, and San Rafael — sustained no major damage and remain safe for use. Authorities also clarified that no tsunami warning is currently in effect.
The back-to-back earthquakes and relentless aftershocks have caused widespread anxiety among residents, many of whom spent the night outdoors, afraid to return to their homes. Yet amid the fear, stories of heroism and solidarity continue to emerge — of strangers helping strangers, and communities standing together in prayer and hope.
As the Davao Region faces this test of strength, one thing is clear: the spirit of bayanihan remains unshaken.